Dismissed NYA deputies break silence…But Minority demands explanation

The president on Tuesday, terminated the appointment of Emmanuel Sin-yet Asigri, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority including the appointment of his two deputies, Bright Acheampong, a deputy in charge of Programmes and Operations and Richard Obeng, a deputy in charge of Finance and Administration were also terminated.

Although
no reason has been given for their dismissals, indications are that it may
be linked to alleged involvement in procurement breaches at the Authority in award
of a contract valued at ?1.8million, to Prefos company to provide training on
street lighting.

However,
breaking their silence in separate statements, Misers Acheampong and Obeng,
said they did their best to ensure contract was stopped but to no avail and
there was enough time for them to reflect and rebuild but not given hearing on
the matter.

According
to Mr Acheampong, who served as whistleblower informing the sector minister to
safeguard the party and the government from impending danger “this is not
the first time my colleague deputy and I, blew the whistle in decision. Mr
Asigri has unilaterally executed which frowns on Procurement Financial Management
Act and Procurement Act and raised
issues with it.

“I
wish to state unequivocally, as far as payment, approval and figures were
concerned, I sent my strongest disapproval to the programme except idea in all
meetings that were held,” Mr Acheampong said.

But
Minority indicated that considering the importance of the Authority as a
vehicle for growth and development of the youth, it had accorded recent
happenings with all seriousness it deserved.

“Our
own preliminary investigation reveals procurement of services of Prefos Limited
to train the youth in street lights repairs did not go through necessary due
processes, including the required procurement procedures for such transactions
before payments were made to Prefos.

“This
also confirms regrettable culture of corruption, lack of respect for due
processes and financial malpractices that has engulfed almost every institution
under the government, considering the minister has written to sack the Chief
Executive and his two deputies means the ministry has done investigation to
ascertain issues at the Authority.

“We
call on the minister to make public whatever report informed decision to sack
the officers for the citizenry to appreciate issues on current happenings at
the Authority,

we
are heartbroken current perception has now become conduit and hub of corruption,”
the minority noted. -myjoyonline.com